Entries by gmader

Complete 2020 in the most meaningful way, especially given COVID-19.

/in , ,

Completing a chapter effectively can be a meaningful and powerful endeavor if you approach it with a deliberate and conscious mindset. Unfortunately, most people tend to focus more on starting a project and executing it, and when it reaches its end, they just move to the next one. We tend to underestimate the power and value of completing things effectively, not merely finishing or ending them. The dictionary defines ‘Finishing‘ as ‘Bringing a task or activity to an end. It defines ‘Completing‘ as ‘Making something whole or perfect’. You don’t have to do anything for something to end. It is the nature of any cycle. Things begin, go through their evolution, and end. A year, […]

Are you standing in your future or in your past?

/in ,

In 1899 Charles H. Duel, then Director of the U.S. Patent Office, said, “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” In 1895, Lord Kelvin, who was President of the Royal Society, said, “Heavier than air flying machines are impossible.” In 1905, Grover Cleveland, then President of the United States, said, “Sensible and responsible women do not want to vote.” In 1943, Thomas Watson, then Chairman of IBM, said, “There is a world market for about five computers.” We all say and think things every day that we sincerely believe to be true, even though they are not true at all. When we think or say positive things, it could be motivating. Even though sometimes […]

How different will the future be?

/in ,

When COVID was in its infancy, and we were all just starting to understand its scope, longevity and impact on the world, the hope of most businesses was to be able to continue to conduct business with minimum challenges and interruptions. Most businesses moved to a virtual model smoother than they expected, and in the beginning, many, perhaps most, found the virtual model surprisingly effective. In fact, as I wrote in my blog on June 17th “Will you lead or lag the virtual revolution?” many companies started to see that in many ways working virtually is even more productive and effective than the way they worked before when everyone was working from the office. However, […]

Is the grass really greener on the other side?

/in ,

I could tell you the tale of a handful of senior executives from a variety of well-known companies and industries who invested more than fifteen years of their life and career in their organization. They rose through the ranks by taking on greater responsibilities every year or two, building strong teams around them, demonstrating great cross-functional teaming and collaboration, and delivering results beyond expectations. All these successful executives on my list demonstrated great leadership in their company’s turning points. In many cases, they delivered great improvements in their company’s trajectory, adjusting the strategic direction every few years to follow the evolving market and consumption trends. Many of these individuals are world-class leaders, recognized in their […]

What gifts have you received during the COVID era?

/in ,

Recently my wife and I were sitting on the porch drinking our morning tea. My wife was reading me a new affirmation she had received via social media about how COVID has presented the world with unique opportunities to reprioritize and focus on what is most important, yadda, yadda, yadda… I am sure like me you have received many of these affirmations and videos. Many of them rung true, some even touched and inspired me. In the same spirit, I asked my wife: “What gifts have WE received so far during the COVID era?” My wife and I generally feel very blessed in our lives and we frequently count our blessings. This has especially been […]

Are you developing your team and for the right reasons?

/in , ,

As COVID progresses, leaders need to continue to develop their teams. In fact, in some cases, team development may be more important than ever. It seems that the leaders who developed their teams before COVID continue to do so with extra passion, while those who didn’t invest in development before or did it sporadically and/or poorly, continue in the same way.

Which category are you in? Are you developing your team?

Will you lead or lag the virtual revolution?

/in ,

Just like the smartphone revolutionized the way we live and do business, it is inevitable that COVID will transform the way corporations work and do their business.

Why is this transformation inevitable?
Survival is a very powerful instinct. COVID very abruptly required companies to shift the way they manage their employees and customers, and the way they conduct their business.

Stay out of your head!

/in ,

The last few months have certainly tested our mental stamina and resolve. One person I spoke to told me that COVID is easy for him because he loves to stay at home and not go out. However, I am sure that for most of us staying at home with minimal-to-no going out is a challenging proposition. I have been working virtually for many years, so I am quite comfortable working in a virtual-mode. However, working solely virtually without physical meetings and interaction with clients or going out of the house has been trying for me too. Repeated instructions like “Stay at home!”, “Stay in touch with family and friends” and “Stay 6 feet from others” […]

Complete 2019 in a meaningful way

/in , ,

Effectively completing a chapter can be a meaningful and powerful endeavor if you approach it with a deliberate and conscious mindset. Unfortunately, most people tend to focus more on starting a project and executing it, and when it reaches its end, they just move to the next one. We tend to underestimate the power and value of completing things effectively, not merely finishing or ending them. The dictionary defines ‘Finishing‘ as ‘Bringing a task or activity to an end.’ It defines ‘Completing‘ as ‘Making something whole or perfect.’ You don’t have to do anything for something to end. It is the nature of any cycle. Things begin, go through their evolution and end. A year, […]

Are you living in and enjoying the moment?

/in ,

A powerful quote by Alfred D’Souza, which I have shared in the past:  “For a long time, it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last, it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life”.   Have you ever had the frustrating or upsetting feeling that you are moving too slow, or you are behind in achieving your life and/or professional goals? I had a conversation with a senior executive who has had a very successful […]

Are you energizing and inspiring your people?

/in , ,

Some time ago, in a meeting I was facilitating, people were going around introducing themselves. One of the long-time veterans of that organization stood up and introduced himself in the following way: “My name is Bill. I don’t remember how long I’ve been here, but I have 64 months to go!” You would think that Bill represents a small minority of cynical people. However, my experience says otherwise. Unfortunately, I find cynical and resigned people at all levels of all organizations. When I ask senior executives, “How are your people doing?” I often get a stock answer of, “My people are excited and in great shape.” However, when I interact with the organization, I often […]